Best Quality of Life Grants in District of Columbia

Sports Matter Mission

We believe that sports change lives. In addition to physical and mental health benefits, sports have the power to change our perspectives, our character and our communities for the better. This core belief has guided DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation since the beginning – but not everyone has the same access to play. Through grants and other support, The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter Program helps under-resourced 501c3 organizations, schools and community teams across all 50 states provide opportunities for youth to play sports.

Why It Counts

• Low-Income Kids Play at Half the Rate of Wealthier Peers
• Participation in Team Sports has Declined 4% Since 2017
• One in Three Kids Can't Participate in the Sports They Want 
• Number of Kids Playing Multiple Sports Has Declined

Sports Matter Program

We Believe Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play

The Sports Matter Program focuses on supporting youth sports in under-resourced communities.

All grant applications are made subject to review of the applying organization’s reputation and activities, and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions. 

About American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) promotes firsthand exchange of intellectual and creative influence between the United States and the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. ASF offers fellowships, cultural grants, internships/training, publications, exhibitions and other public programs reinforcing the strong relationships between the two regions, honoring their shared values, and appreciating their differences.ASF Public Projects GrantThe American-Scandinavian Foundation promotes the cultures of the Nordic countries in the United States and American culture in the Nordic countries by encouraging programs that will enhance public appreciation of culture, art, and thought. In establishing priorities, the Foundation considers the lasting benefits that may be achieved by any grant and favors projects where its contribution will complement support from other sources. 

About the Hertz Foundation

Empowering the Nation’s Most EXCEPTIONAL Innovators

The Hertz Foundation identifies and empowers the nation’s most exceptional innovators in science and technology, fueling a lifelong community dedicated to solving our most pressing problems.

Hertz Community

Awards & Recognition

We’ve established several awards to recognize and support Hertz community members who are accelerating solutions to significant real-world challenges, either through their individual careers or volunteering to strengthen the Hertz Foundation’s work. In addition to providing financial and professional support at a critical time, we also hope to generate more awareness within the Hertz community and inspire collaborations that build on the momentum.

Newman-Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative

The Harold Newman and David Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative provides financial and professional support to Hertz Fellows who propose the most innovative entrepreneurial projects, with particular emphasis on collaboration among fellows. Awardees receive investments up to $25,000 to fund their work and receive mentoring from successful entrepreneurs within the fellows community.

Fueling Entrepreneurs

The initiative was established by honorary Hertz Fellow Harold Newman, a former member of our board of directors and a long-time supporter of and generous donor to the foundation. Newman changed the name to the Harold Newman and David Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative in honor of David Galas, a Hertz Fellow and chairman of the board. Through Newman’s substantial endowment, this award has helped enterprising fellows co-found 11 companies and develop new technologies with real-world impact.

The funds are provided with no strings attached, only the expectation that project leaders will be motivated to share their success with the foundation.

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants to K-5 teachers in public and nonprofit private schools, funding innovative projects in math and science education. Designed to support teachers in implementing hands-on learning experiences, these grants encourage creativity and community involvement. Applicants can propose projects that enhance student engagement and foster scientific inquiry. The foundation prioritizes teacher-led initiatives, making it a valuable resource for educators aiming to enrich their classrooms and inspire young learners.

The Knowles Teaching Fellowship supports emerging high school science and mathematics teachers in the U.S. Ideal candidates possess a strong academic background, leadership skills, and a commitment to teaching. The fellowship emphasizes comprehensive development through mentoring and financial support, including grants for classroom materials and stipends to alleviate financial burdens. By fostering a community of over 500 educators, the program aims to enhance teaching quality and sustainability in the profession over a five-year trajectory.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

EdTA Membership Grant

Theatre matters.

It belongs in our classrooms and communities – now more than ever. Yet the role of the theatre educator has become increasingly complex, and financial support is often uncertain or even eliminated.

To help meet this moment, the Educational Theatre Foundation is proud to introduce the EdTA Membership Grant.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Educator Support ($500)

Can be used for professional development for theatre educators that would benefit their students, including coursework, EdTA’s Theatre Education Conference registration fees, and related travel expenses.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Resident Research Award

Provides residents and fellows an opportunity to attend and present their scientific research at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting. The intent is to expose young researchers who wish to further their careers in interventional radiology.

Award

Up to two recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel stipend of $1,000.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Research Scientist Award

Recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of PhD scientists and engineers at all levels of training for their basic and preclinical research on the topic of interventional radiology.

Award

Up to two recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel stipend of $1,000.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award

Promotes excellence in academic research for members early in their careers. This award honors the founding editor of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) and recognizes the importance of the young investigator in developing interventional solutions for the future.

About

In 1990, SIR Foundation established the Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award as a way to recognize promising young practitioners of interventional radiology early in their careers and encourage their pursuit of academic careers. Each year, the author of the most outstanding clinical science research paper submitted receives this distinguished award.

Award

$3,000 honorarium along with complimentary registration to the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

The award will be presented during the SIR Foundation Awards Ceremony at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Dr. Constantin Cope Medical Student Research Award

Introduces interested medical students to the greater interventional radiology community at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting. Recognizes the student author of an accepted abstract that best honors the spirit of inventiveness and scientific purity.

Award

Up to two recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel award of up to $1,000.

The Norman R. Tilford Field Studies Scholarship Fund, established in 1998 by the AEG Foundation, honors the contributions of Norman R. Tilford. It provides grants to undergraduate and graduate students undertaking field studies in geology. Awards include $1000 for undergraduates and $1500 for both Master’s and doctoral candidates, based on academic merit and potential contributions to the field. This fund promotes hands-on learning and professional development in geosciences.

Purpose

This call for proposals (CFP) provides support to health equity research centers at MSIs to strengthen research infrastructure and capacity-building. Capacity-building will help develop staff, skills, culture, resources, and systems that enable research to happen effectively. Specific work that RWJF may fund under this CFP includes specific skill or methodology training; faculty release time; support for research assistants, advisors, and project staffing; mentoring, professional development and collaboration, and more.

Through this CFP, RWJF will expand its efforts to transform deeply rooted beliefs about which data and research methods are valued, whose perspectives are prioritized, and which populations deserve resources. By supporting the infrastructure and capacity-building needs of MSIs, this opportunity strengthens their ability to generate critical evidence and to cultivate transformative, actionable solutions toward health equity. 

RWJF believes in health equity research that is grounded in systems thinking; supports and disseminates evidence identifying and implementing structural solutions to racial and health inequities. This CFP seeks mission-aligned institutions to participate in cohort-style peer learning to advance their ability to engage in health equity research and apply for competitive funding opportunities in the future.

Although no single philanthropy can fill the gap left by federal funding cuts, this CFP demonstrates strong support for research, historically underrepresented researchers, and research centers that are positioned to pave the way toward a future where health is not a privilege, but a right.

Total Awards

• Type of Award: Awards funded under this opportunity will be structured as grants. 
• Number of Awards: Up to eight awards will be funded. 
• Amount of Award: Each award will be up to and including $350,000.
• Award Duration: Awards will be 24 months.  

The Established Advocacy Grant, offered by the AADA, provides crucial financial support to state dermatology societies that have previously received multiple advocacy grant awards. This program aims to enhance health policy initiatives, focusing on specific legislative priorities. Eligible states must align their applications with AADA’s policy priorities and demonstrate their advocacy efforts through a detailed plan. Compliance with IRS regulations and timely reporting is mandatory for continued funding.

The Development Advocacy Grant by AADA supports state dermatology societies new to advocacy, providing essential funding for health policy initiatives and lobbying. This program is tailored for states with limited prior funding, ensuring a simplified application process to encourage participation. Eligible states must align their projects with AADA's policy priorities and submit a final report detailing advocacy progress. This initiative fosters growth in advocacy efforts, empowering societies to influence key legislation effectively.

The AAD Advocate Of The Year Award, presented by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, honors exceptional grassroots advocacy efforts in dermatology. This prestigious award promotes year-round advocacy and highlights the significant impact of dedicated individuals. Eligibility includes active participation in legislative efforts and direct engagement with legislators. It aims to inspire and recognize those who contribute to the advancement of dermatology and skin health through advocacy initiatives.

The NEA Envision Equity Grants empower educators to implement innovative projects that foster cultural understanding, anti-racism, and civic engagement among students. With funding of up to $5,000, these grants support diverse educational initiatives over a 12-month period. Eligible applicants include NEA members, and funds can be allocated for resources, materials, and professional development aimed at enhancing student learning experiences. Projects that prioritize critical thinking and collaboration are particularly encouraged.

The Institutional Translational Research Training Program (T32) aims to prepare trainees for advancing basic research into clinical applications. This program focuses on developing essential skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, and effective science communication. Participants, including advanced predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, will engage in a two-year training program that fosters collaboration among neuroscientists and clinicians, ultimately equipping them to tackle basic research challenges and translate discoveries into viable therapies.

The Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Fellowship, supported by Pfizer, Inc., aims to enhance training for healthcare professionals in recognizing and managing ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. This competitive program focuses on clinical practice, research, and education, fostering a deeper understanding of the condition. It specifically targets fellowship programs for Cardiologists and Advanced Practice Providers in Heart Failure, ensuring a strong emphasis on advancing knowledge and care in this critical area of cardiology.

The OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking aims to enhance victim service programs across the United States. This initiative supports victims by providing critical services to address their diverse needs, including mental health support and assistance with legal challenges. By funding comprehensive programs, the Office for Victims of Crime seeks to combat human trafficking effectively and promote recovery for affected individuals, ensuring their rights and well-being are prioritized.

The National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) offers a Pre-doctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Ataxia Research, a competitive, non-renewable award aimed at enhancing the training of students in health professional programs. This fellowship provides partial funding of $50,000 over two years for research related to ataxia. Applicants must identify as underrepresented minorities and aim for careers in research or clinical science. The fellowship promotes diversity and supports innovative research in the field.

The AINA Grant-in-Aid program, established by the Arctic Institute of North America, provides funding of $1000 to support young investigators, particularly graduate students, in their research related to Arctic issues. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with a U.S. or Canadian academic institution. The funding can cover travel, supplies, and equipment but not salaries. The program emphasizes the relevance and quality of research proposals that engage the Arctic community.

About 

Epilepsy Wellness Advocates (EWA) is a privately funded, research-informed organization focused on improving the quality of life for people living with epilepsy through collaborative partnerships and wellness-centered initiatives.

Free from pharmaceutical or institutional influence, we are committed to developing and supporting unbiased, evidence-based approaches to epilepsy management. Our efforts center on empowering individuals, families, and the organizations that serve them with practical tools, education, and support.

Epilepsy management extends far beyond clinical settings. Together with our partners, we’re building new ways to live well with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Wellness Advocates Research Grants

Epilepsy Wellness Advocates is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy by funding innovative research, and impactful programs with our long-term strategic partnerships for epilepsy management through alternatives to pharmacological or surgical avenues.

We collaborate with leading organizations, researchers, and wellness providers to understand and develop integrative and wellness health solutions that enhance the daily lives of those living with epilepsy. Our goal is to enable our partners and providers to impact as many people with epilepsy as possible and provide them with the tools and resources they need to reduce the impact of epilepsy on people’s lives.

Categories of Grant Funding:

• Epilepsy Integrative Wellness Programs
• Epilepsy Integrative Wellness Research Studies
• Epilepsy Education and Toolkit Programs
• Epilepsy Education Scholarships & Education Emergency Supports

Program Outcomes of Grants:

• Improve quality of life and functional outcomes for people with epilepsy (PWE) and their caregivers.
• Reduce seizure frequency, severity, and overall seizure burden through evidence-informed approaches.
• Advance personalized, whole-person epilepsy management that reduces reliance on trial-and-error care.
• Increase access to epilepsy wellness information, programs, and tools for PWE, caregivers, and providers.
• Empower caregivers as essential partners by strengthening their education, tools, and ability to navigate care systems.
• Translate research into practical, day-to-day resources that improve real-world epilepsy management and decision-making.
• Drive innovation in epilepsy wellness and integrative care, including the development and validation of scalable management models.
• Address comorbidities, side effects and other treatment burdens, and lifestyle factors that materially affect epilepsy outcomes and daily functioning.
• Strengthen the epilepsy workforce and future provider pipeline, ensuring providers understand and are trained to treat epilepsy as a whole-person condition.
• Reduce stigma and social isolation that negatively impact independence, dignity, and participation for PWE.

About the Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Our Mission

Promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Our Vision

A mentally healthy nation for all – where we live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Psychiatric Research Fellowship

The Psychiatric Research Fellowship provides funding for an early research career psychiatrist to design and conduct a health services/policy-related research study using national data housed at the APA. The Fellow's research activities will be carried out under the supervision and guidance of a mentor at his/her institution in collaboration with his/her mentor(s) at the APA Division of Research. This vital program will enable the APA and APA Foundation to actively participate in sustaining and strengthening the clinical investigators workforce specifically in psychiatry.

Program Benefits

• Receive funding (up to $45,000 per year) towards a research study that will address a major research topic impacting psychiatric practice.
• Receive mentorship from established researchers in the field of psychiatry in the design and implementation of his/her research study.
• Access to secondary national data (e.g., CMS Claims data; APA Registry data) to carry out his/her research study.
• Present his/her research at one or more APA meetings.
• Opportunity to attend additional meetings that provide further mentorship in psychiatric research (e.g., Early Research Career Breakfast).
• Have access to a lifetime network of APA member experts working in the field of psychiatric research.
• Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of residents and fellows with similar career interests and goals.
• Participate on an assigned APA Council or APAF initiative where organizational decisions are made.
• Gain an understanding of APA Governance through service on an APA Council, Committee or APAF initiative.
• Appear in the APA Convocation of Distinguished Fellows Program Book listings.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

Society of Hospital Medicine Equipment Grant

The SHM Global and Rural Health Foundation brings our mission directly to patients in rural and underserved regions of the United States and abroad by offering small travel and equipment grants to hospital-based clinicians and practice administrators involved in this work. The Foundation also aims to amplify the stories of inequitable patient care and celebrate hospital medicine professionals enhancing outcomes.

Equipment grants will be awarded to recipients working in a not-for-profit hospital setting. A letter from hospital or health system leadership, confirming institutional support for the purchase, is required. The equipment purchase date must be in the future (i.e., after the application submission). Award amounts will vary based on need.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Choose How You Respond Fund (in memory of Dr. Bryan Douglas) 

The purpose of the Choose How You Respond Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals to cover expenses related to the treatment of cancer.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Reese Naylor Joy Fund

The purpose of the Reese Naylor Joy Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals with a chronic or terminal illness to cover expenses of an event or experience that will bring joy and happiness to the child and their family. Grant requests will be considered for children up to the age of 21.